The book of Philippians is a fascinating study of many topics, all bound up in one great theme: the finished work of Christ in His death and resurrection (Phi 2:5–11). It is a letter of thanksgiving to the Philippian church (Phi 1:3; 4:10, 14). It is a letter of encouragement to them as they face many trials (Phi 1:28–30). In it, Paul gives an update on his prison status (Phi 1:12–18), and news of one of their own members who was with him (Phi 2:25–30). Above these things, it is a call to enter into the unshakeable joy of those who know that Jesus Christ controls human history.
These notes from the Book of Philippians were originally created for a conference in South Florida in March 2008.

Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000

The Divine Mentor #5

Psa 23:1-6 He is our Shepard -- we have a personal relationship with Him (Heb 12:1). No matter how we get wounded He has purpose (Job. 5:8-19). "..though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I'll fear no evil". We meet our fears with faith (Psa 56:3). We fear no evil because: (1) God works all things together for our good if we love Him (Rom 8:28, Gen 50:20); (2) 1Co 10:13 says there is no trial too great for us to bear; (3) 1Pe 1:6-9 says every trial can purify our faith; (4) Rom 8:31 and Rom 8:37 say that all sufferings are designed for blessing; (5) Eph 6:10-18 says if we are dressed in the armor of God; (6) 1Pe 3:13-15 those that follow good cannot be harmed. "for You are with me". Jesus Christ will never turn His back on us (Heb 13:5-6, Rom 8:38-39); we have His Spirit in us as evidence. Psa 84:5-12 - Blessed are we whose strength is Him, and whose heart is set on being with God (1Pe 2:11). The experience of believers (Psa 84:7) is "strength to strength", "faith to faith", and from "glory to glory" (2Co 3:18, 2Co 4:16-17). Psa 23:4 "Your rod and staff comfort me" refers to protection and discipline (Heb 12:5-11).

Scripture References: Psalms 56:3, Hebrews 13:5-6, Job 5:8-19, Ephesians 6:10-18, Hebrews 12:5-11, Hebrews 12:1, Romans 8:37, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 23:1-6, Romans 8:31, Psalms 84:7, Genesis 50:20, Psalms 84:5-12, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:38-39

From Series: "The Divine Mentor"

The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.

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